Roles and responsibilities: Architects

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General areas of responsibility

A practicing architect:

Must hold a valid license issued by the state where they provide services.

Safeguards health, safety, property, and the public’s welfare with the enhancement of both the natural and built environment.

Develops a comprehensive package of design and construction documents, taking all aspects of the project into account and coordinating elements prepared by other design team members.

Subjects typically addressed by architects

The following examples are general guidelines, and shouldn’t be considered all inclusive.

Design area

Subjects addressed by architects

Site layout

Comprehensive plans

Land use laws

Grading

Landscaping

Building layout

Barrier free access

Parking

Arterial access

Building classifications and intended use

Occupancy

Type of construction

Occupant load

Building circulation and egress

Corridors

Travel distances

Exits and exit widths

Stairways

Building structural systems

Gravity and lateral forces (wind and seismic forces)

Fire safety

Use and storage of hazardous materials (toxics, flammables, corrosives, etc.)